Thomas Frank reportedly "doesn't fancy" £60 million ($80m) Tottenham signing, Dominic Solanke, and will start a hunt for a fresh face when the transfer market reopens in January. After being a regular under former boss Ange Postecoglou last season, scoring 16 goals in 45 appearances, the 28-year-old now finds himself sidelined and seemingly unwanted.
Injury nightmare and painful setback for Solanke
Solanke’s campaign has been defined by frustration and injury setbacks. The striker missed most of pre-season with an ankle problem. He has played just 49 minutes of football this campaign, and hasn’t featured since Tottenham’s 2-0 win over Manchester City on August 23. Ultimately, he had to undergo surgery on September 30 to repair the troublesome ankle.
After going under the knife, the striker shared an update on Instagram, which read: "Hi everyone, quick update about my current situation. The last few months have been very frustrating as I’ve tried everything possible to push through my ankle issue before taking the option of surgery. None of this managed to solve the problem, so we had to go ahead with minor surgery which I underwent this morning. It was all successful, so hopefully I’ll be back on the pitch in the very near future! Thank you for all your love and messages."
Though Solanke has recently returned to light training, Frank is cautious about accelerating his recovery. Speaking before Spurs’ victory over Everton, the Tottenham boss said: "Dominic, positive, he's taking steps in the right direction every day, was on the grass again today, on his own, but has now a sustainable amount of pitch sessions in him on his own, so he's progressing forward."
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTransfer headache looms for Tottenham
According to however, Tottenham are expected to explore the market for a new frontman in January. They are wary, though, that finding a top-quality replacement in the winter is quite a challenge. They are ready to splash out on a proven goal-scorer this winter, but if their efforts bear no success, Frank may be forced to work with what he has.
While Solanke works on his comeback, Randal Kolo Muani is quietly emerging as Tottenham’s potential solution. The French striker, brought in on loan from Paris Saint-Germain on deadline day, is already starting to make an impression. Frank handed him a starting role against Everton and is expected to give him more chances as the season unfolds. Though there’s no obligation to buy the 25-year-old at the end of his loan, Spurs are likely to reopen discussions with PSG if he continues to do well.
Frank has also shown his faith in Richarlison, and the Brazilian is grateful to his new manager for backing him. "It was very important (Frank said he would start). Since I got here, every time the transfer window opens, my name is circled as one who could leave – going back to Brazil or wherever. But I’ve always been focused on Tottenham and I’ve never had a conversation about leaving. I’m in a good moment. I hope to continue working hard and getting the opportunity to give my best."
Solanke’s Tottenham dream turning sour
It’s a bitter blow for Solanke, who was prepared to give his best to have a shot at stardom after failing to impress at Chelsea and Liverpool. He showed his class during his stint at Bournemouth, where he netted an impressive 77 goals before earning his big-money move to north London last summer. At 26, that transfer was supposed to be the moment he fulfilled his potential on the big stage. Now, just two years later, he finds himself in an uncertain position as he continues to be out injured, out of form, and possibly out of Frank’s plans.
Getty Images SportCrunch period ahead for Frank and Spurs
Tottenham’s upcoming schedule leaves no room for complacency. Frank’s men face a brutal run of fixtures heading into November, starting with an EFL Cup fourth-round showdown against Newcastle on Wednesday. A London derby against Chelsea follows at the weekend, before a crucial Champions League clash with Copenhagen on November 4. Then, just four days later, Spurs meet a resurgent Manchester United side on November 8. Meanwhile, as Solanke continues his rehab, the message from the club is clear: that he’ll have to fight for his place all over again. There is a massive challenge ahead for the English frontman.